FBI, police probing anti-Semitic messages at Florida restaurant

(JTA) — An investigation has been opened into anti-Semitic messages left at a new kosher restaurant in South Florida.

The FBI and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office are conducting an investigation into a series of hate messages left at the Mozart Cafe in Deerfield Beach since its opening more than four months ago, WSVN-TV reported. Israelis own and manage the restaurant.

The messages have been tacked to the door and windows of the restaurant, the Florida Jewish Journal reported, and on cars parked near it. They include "go home" and "go to hell," as well as anti-Semitic graffiti and Stars of David, the newspaper reported.

In a more serious incident, the restaurant had to be evacuated after a suspicious gas leak, WSNV reported. Surveillance cameras installed at the restaurant photographed someone lurking near the gas meter.

Since the incidents have been publicized, Jewish groups from the area and surrounding communities have come to patronize the restaurant and show support, the Jewish Journal reported.